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In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Father, as I share in the work of the Holy Spirit,
Who opens our hearts to God’s holy Word,
bless me in my task of telling the story of salvation.
Give me grace to proclaim the true and saving word of God
As a messenger of God’s love for us all.
Oh Holy Spirit, open my heart to that which I proclaim.
Be with me as I study the Scripture and prepare the Word which is yours to speak.
Grant me your gift of understanding so that the passage may dwell deep within me.
Let me approach the Ambo, the Table of the Lord’s Word, with reverence and awe.
Let me handle the book of the Lord’s Word with great care
knowing it is a Tabernacle of the Lord’s presence.
Let my eyes fall often on the faces of the Assembly
knowing they are the body of the Lord whose Word I proclaim.
Let the Lord’s peace settle in my heart that my voice may be clear and steady.
Let my voice echo the sound of the Word with conviction,
gentleness, strength and wonder.
As I proclaim the words of Holy Scripture
which challenges, confronts, and captures our hearts;
which heals, comforts and consoles;
which feeds the hungers and the longing of our hearts for truth;
let me offer the story of the great things the Lord has done for us
that we might turn to the table of Holy Eucharist with good cause
to give thanks and praise.
In awesome reverence of the Word I proclaim,
as one judged and saved by the Word,
I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen
(Adapted from the writings of Austin Fleming)